Tread Lightly

All three of us, Virgil, Earl, and I stare in wonder at the pale flame within Alexos' chest that substitutes his heart. The discovery almost makes me believe what the hell he's saying. Even Virgil is slightly entranced and seems to believe him after all this.

Only Earl, the man who seems to always be the skepticist, doesn't change his view at all on the possible mass murderer. Instead of leaning towards belief, Earl strikes Alexos with questions of his own.

"So, you're saying that this demon, Hura, controls you by the heart he has stolen from you? That he can kill you at any time. Then what about the surveillance? How does that come about? How can the demon watch you like a hawk and force you to do his bidding?"

While Earl asks this, the shadows that conceal Alexos from the watchful gaze of the Demon Of Storms flicker ominously. The foreboding and possible loss of his freedom makes Alexos first turn to Virgil for another dose of Ether to hide with before answering Earl.

"I'll get that in a second. Virgil, was it? Could you please use that skill again? I'd rather not be forced to act insane again to fool his passive perception."

Virgil nods with much less dissension than the first time and places his hand on Alexos. Then, he uses his Ether to Mask Alexos once more. The new dark-tinted Ether reinforces the present Ether and maintains it from fading.

Only after his temporary freedom is secured does Alexos answer Earl.

"Yeah. That's what I'm saying, Earl. Hura has my heart; if I refuse him, the demon will likely crush it with Death's Lantern. He's unlikely to do it for small things like keeping a weak human alive to watch grow or taking too long to accomplish something, as I'm the only 6th Sigil he has under Death's Lantern. Few are willing to be so controlled. Most, instead, are killed."

Alexos' body shifts from putting weight on one foot to the other as his eyes glance up.

"The way that he holds surveillance over me is also through Death's Lantern. If he peers through the side of the lantern that harbors my heart, he can see every sight I see from my eyes. He can hear from my ears. He can feel through my hands. He can taste from my tongue. Even when he doesn't actively look through it, however, as long as Death's Lantern is on his person, which it always is, he can get a general sense of what I'm doing.

I've learned over many months that it's a type of sense that just tells him whether what's happening is normal for the person whose heart he has. And this sense extends to all those he has control over.

This Ether that cloaks me likely only numbs the general sense he has. I doubt it would stop the direct gaze of a 6th Sigil Heirloom."

Damn, that fucking sucks. The Demon Of Storms, at any point in time, can just look into the lantern and kill Alexos if what he sees is dangerous to him. Even without that slight chance of certain death, the general sense remains, forcing Alexos to act like the man the demon knows him as.

Alexos risks his life even now under the cloak of shadows that is Virgil's Mask. If Hura, at any time during our talks, just looks into Death's Lantern, there goes Alexos. At this point, a small part of me still thinks he is lying, but the greater part of me believes him. I don't know what it is, but his words just seem so true. So genuine. It's hard to describe. It's like the sound of his voice carries emotion, unlike anyone else's.

Virgil seems to agree with me as he shares some sympathy with Alexos.

"Damn. That… That blows. So you've been a forced Outlaw for years and were eventually caught by a demon? Fucking rough."

Alexos nods and confirms Virgil's conclusion.

"Yes. The demon found me while hiding in the wilds, searching for a way to the Underworld. All I want is to find a way to bring my family back; even if it's impossible, I will still seek it out. Nothing will stop me from seeing them again."

I understand and resonate with the want to see family again. I'd do just about anything to see Ma once more.

Earl, however, continues to be skeptical and unbelieving as usual. For some reason, the man just seems to assume the worst of people. I don't know if that's from his childhood or just a personality trait of his, but so far, it has only been wrong. First on me, then on Virgil. So I inwardly disregard Earl's skepticism but still listen to what he asks Alexos.

"So, how come you've endured this for so long? I can't imagine a family man wouldn't grow insane after years of being on the run and forced to kill to stay free and alive. Especially after Hura took hold of your heart. You have acted like a man who would do anything to survive and enjoys the suffering of others. 'If one stares into the abyss long enough, the abyss stares back.' Indeed, you've heard the First's famous mantra, no? Why should we trust that you're sane at all? That this isn't just another act of the Phantom Pain?"

Alexos shrugs at Earl and, at first, seems to have issues answering the unending series of inquisitive questions bombarding him. But after a few deep breaths and a gaze at the sky, Alexos finds his words.

"I have done… so many things that I regret. That I wished would never happen at all in this world. Things that I can't even speak up about without tearing up or guaranteeing myself ghosts to haunt my sleep. I have done too much to ever be forgiven; I know that. But I've done it all for my family in the hopes of bringing them back from Death's neverending grasp. I know they'd never take me back if they knew what I've done, but I do it all anyway. Simply having their youthful voices and happy laughs returning to the world is enough. Enough for me to do anything."

Alexos finishes defending his fight for his family and then refutes Earl's words.

"'And while that quote is accurate, one of the most authentic things I've ever heard, Earl, you're missing another thing the First said as well.

'The mind is the mightiest muscle. With enough strength of will, anything can be done. Any hardship can be endured. Any loss can be learned from. Any goal can be accomplished. Any demon, inner or outer, can be felled. Only with an unshaken will can we stand to the horrors that stalk our peripheral.'"

Alexos then offers some more words, leaving behind wisdom of his own and a declaration.

"The First man to ever become more than human left many kernels of wisdom behind. Most of these have been outright ignored or tossed aside by today's Hunters, including that one. Few know of the book he wrote before his death detailing how one should live with themselves, their Sigils, and their demons. Have any of you ever read it? It is what I base my motivations and strength on. It gives me the certainty that my goal of resurrecting my family can be made."

I've never heard of this book he speaks of. Not even a single mention of it my whole life. Indeed wisdom passed from one, such as the First, would be told to everyone, no? A pause ensues as I look back and forth between Earl and Virgil in confusion, but they both shake their heads. Obviously, they've never heard what Alexos is talking about, either.

Earl calls him out on it. That what he's talking about doesn't exist. I go to stop him, wishing to tell him that the loss of Leonard is making him paranoid and irrational, but he waves me off.

"Just stop lying. This web of deceit you're tying together makes no sense. The First never left behind any official book. Only quotes that he said here or there have passed through the ages. The man died in an age far too warring and barbaric to write a book. Even if he did, there is no way we wouldn't know of it. I mean, Virgil was a Hunter for many years before leaving them quietly. Surely he'd know of this book."

Alexos shakes his head in denial and continues to argue his truth.

"See? That's what I meant. The Estates held down any information of the First that could help the common man rise, which is what the book was meant for. "On The Shoulders" is meant to help those without Sigils gather their strength, will, and motivation to rise. He hoped those who came after could stand on his shoulders and those who fought alongside him. That we never create castes of people like we currently have."

The Phantom Pain then begins a rant, his words attacking the structures of demons and that of humanity.

He had seen the castes of the demons. The massive gap between lesser and full demons exists because of how, where, and when they were born. Even if a lesser demon somehow grew to a high Sigil to meet a full demon, they would still be outclassed. Heirlooms and techniques passed directly from the Mother Below also allow full demons to be several times more potent than any lesser demon of the same rank.

The First hoped that this would never happen to us, as he saw the possibility of it. He saw the disparity in natural talents that persisted amidst humans. People like himself were unnaturally resistant to Ether, allowing him to not only rise in Sigil fast but to also be more powerful than the average Sigiled.

He also spoke of people who were ten times more intelligent with latent psychic abilities from birth, allowing them to be uniquely suited to certain Sigils. Some men were several feet taller and stockier than others, making them so much more powerful. He even spoke of a young child he met, the book was written shortly before his death, so it didn't go into much detail, but it did mention how unique he was.

He was found as a babe in the middle of a battlefield, wounded and damaged, but the young kid had no blood. Nothing moved within his veins that the First could detect. Nonetheless, the child was energetic and unnatural even despite the odd phenomenon. He was immune to bleeding. This allowed an eight-year-old child to fight alongside adults even without a Sigil.

Demons have their natural advantages but do not vary as wildly and as much as people because of their low population. So while there are differences in demons, it is not so stark that the lesser demons have almost no hope of rising.

Like right now, each of the Estates is known for something that makes them uniquely better than everyone else. They use these unique traits to keep their rule while at the same time banding together to squash resistance. Precisely what the First was wary of.

But you don't have to just believe my words, even if I hope you do. I carry the only copy of the book I've ever found with me. I've made copies just in case it's damaged, but you three can have it. Read it. Learn about the First and his legacy of thought."

Alexos reaches behind him and pulls a small leatherbound book from a satchel. The book is at most a hundred pages, each of which is only as wide as my palm. The front of it doesn't even have a labeled cover. It does seem to be an ancient book, however. The pages and leather on the book look weathered despite the apparent care Alexos shows the object.

I skeptically take the book and open it to the first page just for a quick glance. The first half of the page is covered by the title and the description, with the other half being the man's words written in small ink. Of which, some are crossed out and unreadable.

On The Shoulders

A short memoir based on my life.

I am ~~~~ from ~~~~~, ~~~~~~~, ~~~~~~ born ~~~~. I possess the ~~~~~, ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Sigil, and the ~~~~~~ Absolutions. I hope the following words will help those who come after, that the things I've discovered can aid our race in surviving the brutal wilds. I have, along with many others, found a place for us to live. A sanctuary for humans. The first of its kind. The first of many to come. Many of my friends and allies have told me to write about my experiences and what I have seen. I initially refused, thinking it would be pure hubris and arrogance to write about my own life, but eventually, I relented. They made me see the help I could bestow to young men, women, and those needing motivation and advice.

After all, only I remain from the expedition into ~~~~~. The last of those who saved the world. They call me the First for what I've done. But in truth, I am the Last. I am only the Survivor.

I stop reading there as the page ends, forcing me to turn it. Slightly frustrated by the small pages that fit so few words, I look up to Alexos. At this point, I finally believe him. Everything he's said so far has been genuine. Although, as usual, more questions spring up than answers that hold them down.

I pass the book to Earl and Virgil as my attention turns to Alexos. And despite how much I hate the words that follow, I say them anyway.

"I believe you. So, how can we help kill Hura? That's why you're here, right? To kill the demon? I want the same. I need an artifact he possesses."

Alexos nods and briefly glances at Virgil and Earl, inspecting the book given to them. He then hands me a map. A map of the surrounding area that includes Rustbank. It has been annotated to include the nearby monsters and lesser demons, as well as a big red mark that symbolizes Hura.

"I need you guys to get this map to the Gunfighter. This information will surely help him prepare. I've listed all the varieties of monsters Hura has beneath him, along with his lesser demons. He also has four other humans and one pygmy under Death's Lantern. I've slowly made this over the past few weeks without even looking at it, just using my sixth sense to draw and write it.

But that's beside the point. Deliver this to the Gunfighter. This will majorly increase your chances of victory. Knowledge is power, and preparation is the most significant way to leverage power. Another thing, I wanted to tell you all that Hura has ordered me to fight you all in Rustbank.

I will try to pull my strikes, but remember, I must act. The facade of madness will return. I will use it to make him believe that he has me completely under his thumb, and at the perfect moment, I will rebel. At the moment when I can secure his death before he can secure mine, I will strike to end him.

So all you guys and the Gunfighter need to do is give me this opportunity. I promise I will take it. After we kill Hura, I only ask for one thing. I want Death's Lantern."

The request for the Heirloom of the Demon Of Storms makes me hesitate. I can't decide on that, can I? That'd be all Johnny, as he'll do most of the work. Plus, he's the highest authority we have in Rustbank. I'll have to ask Johnny, but it'd be best if I could somehow negotiate with him. I need to know why Alexos wants this thing. Otherwise, I worry the man might revert to his madness if denied.

But I can also take advantage of this. I can leverage it to get the Lily back.

"I'll try on one condition. You give my Colt back."

A tense moment passes as all three of us go quiet and watch Alexos' reaction. I don't think Virgil or Earl knows what I'm talking about, but they know it's serious based on Alexos' face. The man's countenance morphs into regret, and... is that pain?

"I cannot. I don't have it anymore. Hura took it from me when he saw me next. He ordered me to take it from you. However, when he found out that the Colt was out of ammo, he quickly lost interest. Few are willing to pay the price to fire the gun."

His response both frustrates and confuses me. I can understand how he was forced to give it up, but what does he mean there was no ammo left? And the price to shoot it?

"What do you mean it was out of ammo? One bullet was left? And what's the price for firing the gun?"

Alexos shrugs his shoulders in ignorance.

"I don't know. It just was out of ammo. You tried firing the gun, so I assumed one was left, but I was wrong. And the price for firing the Blooming Spider Lily is your lifespan. For those who have lived a very long time, like the Demon Of Storms, that is not a thing they are willing to give up. So will you not ask Johnny for the Death's Lantern to be given to me?"

Once Alexos says the name of the Colt, Virgil looks at me with wide eyes. I wave him off, though, and whisper to him that I'll tell him later. Then, I begrudgingly agree to Alexos. Damn. I really wished I got the Lily back. I miss it like I do my family. Don't know why he thinks it's out of ammo, though. One round was definitely left.

"Yeah, I'll try. I'm only a 3rd Sigil, but I can try and argue for you to Johnny. Who knows if he'll agree, though? Why do you want it anyway?"

Alexos responds quickly while he glances at the two reading the book now and then.

"I want Death's Lantern because after experiencing its powers, I believe it is the only way to enter the Underworld and save my family."

His words confuse me, and I press for more.

"What do you mean? How can it be a way to enter the Underworld?"

Alexos clarifies his meaning.

"The entrance to the Underworld is blocked by Death's Gate. A construct, creature, or maybe even curse left behind by Death that crushes the hearts of all who enter. Only the undead the pale lady brings down, or the unliving ghosts that drag their way out for revenge like revenants, can go through. It has even killed a 7th Sigil before."

He pauses a moment before sharing his own thoughts, likely born from his history in artifact research.

"However, I suspect the pale flame that Death's Lantern replaces your heart with will protect me through the gate. Then I can enter the Underworld and find a way to bring my family back. Worst case, I can just go down and see them before returning to find a way."

His words make sense to me, and I can't find fault. So, I just nod and agree.

"I'll see what I can do."

Just after I affirm my agreement, though, the shadows on him begin to fade again, Virgil's skill running out of time. Alexos wasn't lying about the ineffectiveness when crossing Sigils, that's for sure.

This event finally drags the two out of reading the book as they are enraptured by what lies within. Virgil and Earl look up at Alexos as he speaks once more, this time tinged with sadness and a bit of defeat compared to the hope that he said just prior.

"I'm running out of time. Not just the skill, but Hura expects me back soon. He's likely to look at what I'm doing soon. When he does, he will question why you all are here and not yet dead, as he typically expects me to kill any I come across.

You three need to escape from me somehow. I don't know how you will do it, but I will hold back when chasing you down. Enough to not draw the demon's ire. I'll try and act like I'm just enjoying the hunt. Before we do, though, along our race, Wyatt, I found something for you."

The master of illusions hands me a green core of a Mandaamin. He must have realized we were looking for them after seeing me hold the center of one. That means I have two. With this knowledge, I turn to Virgil, and a smile breaks through my face as he holds up another.

We got three; surely that's enough for Primrose to be healed, right?

Alexos then breaks me out of my happiness with a warning. He makes an illusory hourglass filled with sand that he turns over. Then he takes the book from Virgil and Earl, oddly going against what he said earlier.

"Only another minute or so remains on this Ether that hides me from the demon. It will probably be five or so before he actually looks, but I need to be fighting before then. Prepare however you three can at this minute. After this illusion ends, we fight."